We tell you all about the Cordillera Blanca located in Peru

The Cordillera Blanca, besides being one of the most extensive in the world, could easily compete for the title of the highest. It is a major tourist destination, and its name comes from the fact that it is a group of mountains which are always covered by a large amount of snow. Below, we will talk in more depth about this wonder of nature.

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What is the Cordillera Blanca?

It is a cluster of closely situated mountains of great altitude. It is part of the Andes mountain range, but its name is due to it being a tropical location where it snows constantly. Additionally, it is a tourist site where you can find more than 500 lagoons and approximately 700 small glaciers.

In 1985, UNESCO recognized this part of the mountain range as a Natural World Heritage site. It is also very important in Peru because it provides water to the population through natural snowmelt. It is also used to power hydroelectric plants, which provide over 5% of the entire country’s energy.

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Where is it located?

It is located in northwestern Peru in the central massif of the Andes and runs parallel to the Santa River valley. This part of the Andes is home to the Huascarán National Park, which aims to protect and safeguard this ecosystem. This also serves as a reference for those wishing to visit these snow-capped mountains. This mountain range has a total length of 200 kilometers, stretching between Conococha and Pelagatos in the department of Ancash.

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How was it created?

This mountain range is a work of art made exclusively by nature. It is believed to have been fully formed over 60 million years ago due to the movements of the Earth’s tectonic plates. These movements were responsible for piling up large rocks and vast stretches of land over hundreds and thousands of years.

Basically, for a mountain to form, very powerful changes must occur in the Earth, caused by what we commonly call “earthquakes.” Additionally, our planet’s ground is in constant motion, although it is so slow that it takes many years to notice.

One of the most accepted scientific theories is that a long time ago, two massive tectonic plates collided. This collision was so strong that it created the three mountain ranges we know today. Even so, the Cordillera Blanca can be considered an area of greater impact, resulting in some of the highest peaks. This is why it has a freezing climate and constant snowfall.

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How many peaks does it have?

There are a total of 20 major snow-capped peaks in this range, but the highest is Huascarán, which stands at over 6,700 meters above sea level (masl).

Some of the most important or prominent peaks in this range, besides the one mentioned, are:

• Yerupajá (6,600 masl).
• Tocllaraju (6,035 masl).
• Huascarán (6,757 masl).
• Alpamayo (5,947 masl).

Another interesting fact is that “nevados” (snow-capped peaks) are only formed above 5,000 masl. Below this altitude, the climate is less freezing, though snow moving down from the heights can still be found.

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What is its height?

The highest point of the range is found at the Huascarán peak, marking its maximum altitude. Taking the sea as a reference, the range reaches an altitude of just over 6 kilometers. While not the highest in the world, it remains very imposing.

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What are the characteristics of this mountain range?

This mountain formation has several characteristics that make it special:

1. Frozen Peaks. The mountains are so high that they reach extreme low temperatures. Because it snows, a white color always predominates, giving it its name.
2. Presence of Glaciers. Above 5 kilometers in height, several glaciers can be found that scientists study. Occasionally, tourist tours are conducted near them.
3. Variety of Rocks and Minerals. The rocks have different compositions and a wide variety of minerals.
4. Extensive Territory. In addition to its height, the range is approximately 200 kilometers long and 45 kilometers wide.

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